KATHMANDU: A fighting half-century from Bashir Ahamad helped Biratnagar Kings defeat Karnali Yaks by three wickets in a closely contested match of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) at the TU International Cricket Grounds on Friday.

Batting first, Karnali scored 160 runs for the loss of three wickets. Biratnagar chased down the target, losing seven wickets on the penultimate ball.

Although Karnali lost hard-hitter Mark Watt for just six runs in the third over, Priyank Panchal (63) and William Bosisto (48*) steadied the innings. Gulsan Jha (20) and Najibullah Zadran (12*) remained not out.

Marchant de Lange and Sandeep Lamichhane picked up a wicket each for Biratnagar.

Biratnagar’s chase got off to a shaky start as they lost opener George Munsey for a duck. Fellow opener Lokesh Bam fell shortly after for six. Sam Heazlett (16) and Sahil Patel (19) steered the innings before Bashir Ahamad struck 62 off 42 balls to take Biratnagar home. He found support from Narayan Joshi, who struck 25 off 16 balls.

Sompal Kami and Gulsan Jha claimed two wickets each, while Pawan Sarraf, Nandan Yadav, and William Bosisto picked up a wicket each.

The third loss in four matches of the NPL so far has dealt a severe blow to Karnali’s hope of making it to the play-offs. Karnali must now win all three remaining matches to stay in the play-off contention. Biratnagar, however, returned to winning ways after losing to Chitwan in the previous fixture.